tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.comments2011-09-16T03:30:04.133-07:00the stay-at-home apologistjdawghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-1221534522224686252011-09-15T20:14:09.473-07:002011-09-15T20:14:09.473-07:00i've been told, by people who've helped me...i've been told, by people who've helped me move before, that they wouldn't help me again until i got rid of some of my books. i told them not to worry-- i'd find new friends. ;)Amie Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-29028599337861091722011-06-09T17:08:49.454-07:002011-06-09T17:08:49.454-07:00nope. just the accounts of the disciples and Paul...nope. just the accounts of the disciples and Paul.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-15044635810780223562011-06-09T15:10:47.500-07:002011-06-09T15:10:47.500-07:00Have you been reading the Fathers?
I recommend ...Have you been reading the Fathers? <br /><br />I recommend starting with St. Ignatius of Antioch, who lived during the time of the Apostles and is connected to them. Even the desert Fathers, like St. Anthony the Great, teach us much about ministry in the world through their great humility and life of inner prayer.Fr. Symeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11678552547700196995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-6521818533111670782011-06-08T18:31:00.914-07:002011-06-08T18:31:00.914-07:00thanks for the comment. it's been a long time...thanks for the comment. it's been a long time and that was a good time of life for a lot of us. i enjoyed the thinking we all had to do together.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-54261064158566082022011-06-08T18:26:40.047-07:002011-06-08T18:26:40.047-07:00One of the biggest things that you ever taught me ...One of the biggest things that you ever taught me was about the victim mentality. Since hearing the things you had to say about that I have constantly been looking for those types of mindsets. They are much easier to see than i ever thought they would be. But more than to look for those attitudes I have learned the most important way to avoid feeling like the victim. The one thing that i have learned about not having a victim mentality, is that i am only performing for ONE person in my life, as long as the one person (God) approves of how i am living and of my actions and as long as I am satisfied with pleasing him then i cannot fall victim to any one elses guilt or disapproval. I know it maybe a little late but i want to let you know that i learned so much from you and there are still times(frequently) when things you said come back to me... thanks! remember to be confident in who you are and in the decisions that you have or that you do make... as long as you and God are satisfied nothing else matters!! !miss youRyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00518901777358469412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-19026886082419498722011-05-08T07:12:47.672-07:002011-05-08T07:12:47.672-07:00I liked the Hackett quote. I learned from a cowork...I liked the Hackett quote. I learned from a coworker who had a great way of dealing with what should have been awkward -- he carried on as if nothing ever happened. Just treat those folks as if they were old friends you're happy to see and they'll assume they are.The Mustard Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08740665545551228167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-73679841147964327612011-01-23T18:48:09.171-08:002011-01-23T18:48:09.171-08:00agreed, brother. easier said than done, sometimes...agreed, brother. easier said than done, sometimes, but i'm in complete agreement.Amie Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-67012311110195308122010-12-07T08:09:53.979-08:002010-12-07T08:09:53.979-08:00Good for you...stat for you. Within 3-5 years of ...Good for you...stat for you. Within 3-5 years of being involved in church, an incredibly high percentage (can't remember exactly) don't have a significant relationship with anyone outside of the church setting. Alarming at best.Jim Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13511866968383073329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-72086047103385225742010-12-07T06:05:53.883-08:002010-12-07T06:05:53.883-08:00Way to get out there and out of the "ghetto&q...Way to get out there and out of the "ghetto" - you're a real encouragement.Brian Vinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221972114141282402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-63950161870069344532010-10-15T19:57:50.003-07:002010-10-15T19:57:50.003-07:00Jody, first of all, great post and thoughtful resp...Jody, first of all, great post and thoughtful responses. My rxn to the 'born gay' status has been wondering if we weren't revisiting the age old nature vs. nurture debate (and I think we saw with Eddie Murphey and Dan Ackroyd in Trading Places that it is nurture that wins out!) <br />Anyway, 1980s comedies aside, I remember an article Dr. Mulholland wrote for the ATS paper about sexuality. Basically he saif that when we define ourselves sexually we are not fully identifying with Christ. His point (as I remember it) was that Christians aren't to identify themselves by the flesh only b.c it denied the power of the Spirit within us. <br /><br />I think it is necessary for the Christian community to deal with homosexuality and confront what we truly believe about the transformational power of Christ but I don’t know how well that sells to a secular audience. <br /><br />I'm torn about the "It Gets Better" Campaign launched in the wake of the recent suicides. I think it is important that persons 'on the edge' know there are others who love and care for them just because they are human and happen to profess a gay lifestyle. What I object to is the recent video a NYC seminary filmed that repeatedly said that God loved them just the way they are and created them to be that way. That I don't buy. I do buy that God created me and that God loves me the way I am w. the all important caveat that God isn't interested in me staying the way I am. God is interested in recreating me, having me conform to the pattern of Christ and to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, spirit and body. There was no mention of sin or the fact that God wants us to conform to the pattern of Christ in this video I object to or even with some of my homosexual Christian friends. That frustrates me.<br /><br />There are lots of stigmas in the world that is the result of discrimination or bigotry. I suspect that homosexuality is one as well, but I am at a loss of why suicide among sef-professing gay teens has been on the upswing. As a single heterosexual woman who has never married and has no children, I can tell you that I often joked and am good naturally teased by lesbian friends that my life would be just easier to live in society if I just outed myself to avoid the awkward questions and raised eyebrows that stop people dead in their tracks when I tell them I do not have children nor is there a husband anywhere on my life's landscape. I am not trying to wrest away the limelight and say that my underprivelaged demographic needs attention, I am just saying that take a look at the various female role models you have in Scripture....the ones that have problems are barren and somehow God comes along and manages to open their womb and give them a child with their husband....and the one single lady in Scripture ends up pregnant w/o asking for it and she just happens to end up being the mother of the Savior , still keeps the guy, gets married and ends up being mentioned anytime anyone recites the Apostle's Creed!<br /><br />I seriously hurt for a teenage population that thinks suicide is the answer to ending their pain. I think the Church AND society have a long way to go to understand and I don't know how dialogue can be broached. I think it is a matter of discipleship and living with integrity as Christians....I am not a youth minister (nor did I ever play on on TV) but I do think Kenda Dean's "Almost Christian" goes to the hear of what we aren't doing for our youth OR adults in the church - helping them establish an identity in Christ that helps them be transformed from what they are and be renewed as they are conformed to the image of Christ. Henri Nouwen, whom you cited above, was all about the conformity piece and never once did I read anything about his sexuality in his work. I guess what I am trying to say here at the end is that his life is an example of what we are called to live like regardless of what sexual orientation we believe is wired within us.tammiemghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16191098623116760646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-72449405255849338632010-10-15T08:36:51.213-07:002010-10-15T08:36:51.213-07:00still curious about what the anguish of being &quo...still curious about what the anguish of being "outted" stems from. i mean, is it from being "born gay" and not wanting anyone to know? is it fear of ridicule that I'm uncertain even exists? is it going away to university and having sex and unknowingly being filmed-in a known public environment(the dorm)?<br />It seems the anguish maybe stems from the desire to be free from personal responsibility. In which case: I don't know the remedy. Because there's not one.<br />I don't know how Christians stand against this. If it's a kid we know or our own child that's one thing. Otherwise I will continue to teach, where I can, that hate is not a Christian character trait. And if there's one thing I'm SURE the Bible teaches, it's that.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-28232015719614629442010-10-14T10:57:15.841-07:002010-10-14T10:57:15.841-07:00There have been several suicides recently that hav...There have been several suicides recently that have been linked to bullying or "out-ing" a teen/youth adult that was gay including the posting of a youtube video of a college roommate "in the act". The roommate jumped from a bridge. <br /><br />Christians should be the FIRST to stand against this kind of hate. <br /><br />Also...many, many things that we do that result in persecution or prejudice are a result of our choices. My point is the christian should not be the one being hateful or shunning someone because of their sin. <br /><br />Yes, they are a very politically motivated "protected" group of people. No question. But not all of them care about the politics. There is true anguish behind the mask for many of them. Killing themselves should NOT be the answer!<br /><br />But they are still people...that Jesus died for...just like me. <br /><br />Although I don't honestly believe that people are "born" gay...one has to admit that in some, there seems to be a tendency in that direction. You then add life experiences, sin choices, etc. to the mix...and it might "seem" to them that they were "born that way". <br /><br />In the end...it is a moot point. Even if we are born with a tendency in certain direction that God says is sin, it is sin and dishonours God. That is where are choices begin. <br /><br />We are are born with a tendency to get angry quickly...it can, given the right life circumstances develop into a life of uncontrolled rage and sin. Doesn't make it right. <br /><br />Always good to dialogue! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-57258813714068792242010-10-14T10:39:50.777-07:002010-10-14T10:39:50.777-07:00I probably read the same status and felt I had to ...I probably read the same status and felt I had to resist comment there at this particular time. I have researched this as well and as much as people try to push the idea of being born gay there is absolutely no scientific proof ... only conjecture to manufacture behavior justification.JustPassinItOnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06293344790771998213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-24996393896060223272010-10-14T10:27:50.039-07:002010-10-14T10:27:50.039-07:00Oh, I don't have an issue with "love,&quo...Oh, I don't have an issue with "love," as in a concern for and desire to help them with any issue. I would do this for any person I had a relationship with. But a post that asked me to repost that people were "born gay" is a bunch of hogwash. It simply has too many questions around it and is usually only "proven" by persons with an agenda.<br />I don't know about the bullying. It seems that this "minority" is the most accepted and politically motivated group of persons I know. If guilt is the reason for their troubles let's not pass that off as the persecution of society. That's self imposed.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-87918053965483326862010-10-14T08:51:15.516-07:002010-10-14T08:51:15.516-07:00If one of my children were to announce that they w...If one of my children were to announce that they were gay, I would expect the same from them that I expect of my single 55 year old sister....celibacy. There are other ways to get and receive love than sexually. <br /><br />I believe that the influences that govern sexually are so complex, the answer can't only be genetic. There might be a genetic "tendency" or bent, but there are just too many other factors in play to confirm that it is ONLY genetic. <br /><br />However, the FB threads that are moving around now have a lot to do with respecting the dignity of the person. That we MUST do...regardless of their sexual "choice". <br /><br />I would have no problem giving a helping hand and loving my son who was a known drunk....likewise, I shouldn't have any problem loving, helping a child who is homosexual. This also means that I should NOT be an enabler or deny the sin.<br /><br />But a christian adult or teen should be the first to come along side and befriend the bullied sexually confused teen!<br /><br />CaroleeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-73517314281144036712010-09-21T11:29:19.306-07:002010-09-21T11:29:19.306-07:00and Alison, I will always remember that you're...and Alison, I will always remember that you're one of the reasons they're there. you are missed, and things are hoppin there.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-35012171339787319792010-09-21T10:49:43.373-07:002010-09-21T10:49:43.373-07:00I'm so grateful Jody these new Christians that...I'm so grateful Jody these new Christians that I care so much about have someone as encouraging as you in their midst. You encouraged my heart, and I know you can do the same for these brand new believers.Ally Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01227391329991665040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-20200077465840989842010-09-05T09:55:51.766-07:002010-09-05T09:55:51.766-07:00congrats. a step in the right direction from the ...congrats. a step in the right direction from the beauracracy, at least. =)Amie Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16575635765018764228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-71883133216196124632010-09-03T18:30:16.162-07:002010-09-03T18:30:16.162-07:00That's great! Hopefully the residency process ...That's great! Hopefully the residency process will be done soon so you'll be able to work.Jaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344511588193857743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-73907936901963333282010-09-03T15:17:08.219-07:002010-09-03T15:17:08.219-07:00yes Tammie then everything will be done. Thank Go...yes Tammie then everything will be done. Thank God!jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-61600336132269919732010-09-03T15:11:57.792-07:002010-09-03T15:11:57.792-07:00Wow. I am happy for you - am assuming that when t...Wow. I am happy for you - am assuming that when the residency process is concluded you will be able to work in Canada?tammiemghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16191098623116760646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-1275158502790483342010-08-25T06:15:21.926-07:002010-08-25T06:15:21.926-07:00as well as discipleship.as well as discipleship.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-87616595965115872082010-08-25T06:08:11.808-07:002010-08-25T06:08:11.808-07:00If you don't worry about new believers in toda...If you don't worry about new believers in today's times, you should have a look at the one verse you quoted in light of Bible interpretation. Greg Koukl on str.org has a booklet called Never Read Another Bible Verse. I think to say they'll find it on their own negates the need for apologetics, something I believe very strongly in.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-83888160490160084032010-08-24T17:00:44.851-07:002010-08-24T17:00:44.851-07:00I didn't grow up in church. I had hardly ever ...I didn't grow up in church. I had hardly ever heard a sermon, except on TV, before Christ called me to Himself. After I had fallen in love with Jesus and carried a Gideon New Testament in my back pocket everywhere I went, it still didn't dawn on me that I was suppose to go to church. <br /><br />The church provided me a sense of significance when I joined at age 14. It also provided me great male role models. The main thing it provided was an expository preacher, Steve Johnson.<br /><br />But "the church" also blinded me and put a yoke upon me that Jesus never wanted me to bear.<br /><br />God used the church to pull me back when I was forsaken by those I loved the most. When I was dreadfully disappointed in people, God used a small church and a few friends like you to keep me tethered to the dock, "lest [I} drift away." <br /><br />I am still not sure what the church means or should mean to me. I have a theological definition of the universal church and the local church, but I don't believe church is church. It has nothing to do with styles. I think all styles are hogwash and nothing close to what God wills. <br /><br />I don't worry about those who are being baptized like you do. God will cause his children to stand (Romans 13 or something). <br /><br />You really need to read "Reformation In Foreign Missions" by Bob Finley. You can get it free at christianaid.com<br /><br />He has a lot to say in that book that applies to the church as a whole. GET IT!A. B. Royalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03356988847912551235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365832212860541233.post-27456399461915599812010-08-20T03:18:06.517-07:002010-08-20T03:18:06.517-07:00Hey Brad. Thanks. And my emoting and thinking ar...Hey Brad. Thanks. And my emoting and thinking are synonymous. Maybe it wasn't that way when I was working but it is now. I think to a computer.jdawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108610306085441353noreply@blogger.com